Frequently Asked Questions

What types of careers do graduates of the music department puruse?

A large number of CSB/SJU graduating music majors become music teachers in grades K-12. Many also become liturgical music directors, and some offer services as private music teachers.  And a number of music majors decide to pursue a performance career, which typically means that they will go on to graduate study in music.  This list below highlights some of the places our recent graduates have gone.

Instrumental
—clarinetist, Toledo Symphony Orchestra
—cellist, Thunder Bay Symphony Orchestra
—violinist, Kansas City Symphony

• Vocal/Choral
  —cast member, Minnesota Opera production of "Little Women"
  —member, Chicago Lyric Opera Chorus
  —founder of National Catholic Youth Choir

• Keyboard
  —doctoral student, piano, Catholic University
  —second place national winner, American Guild of Organists Student Competition 

• Liturgical Music
  —faculty member, St. Paul Seminary
  —Director of Liturgical Music, St. James Cathedral, Orlando, Florida

• Music Education and Administration
  —Director of Resource Development, Artspace Projects, Inc.
  —Assistant Dean for Academic Affairs; Director of Graduate Studies, Florida State University

What type of practice/performance facilities do you have?

The Benedictine tradition places a high value on the role of the fine arts in society. This is immediately evident in a tour of CSB/SJU’s superior music facilities. "CSB and SJU not only talk about supporting the arts," says Greg Walker, professor of theory and composition, "but they provide the resources needed for an excellent music program."

In addition to the Benedicta Arts Center’s 983-seat concert hall, the Peters Auditorium (preferred by many professional groups for recording and performance) and the 300-seat Gorecki Family Theater at CSB (one of the best equipped and most flexible theater facilities in the Upper Midwest), the Abbey Church, Gertken Organ Studio and the Stephen B. Humphrey Theater at SJU provide additional high-quality performance space.

A large selection of practice rooms with pianos and organs are available on both campuses. The music library houses a superb collection of compact discs, records, listening equipment and scores.

Are there many performances opportunities for students?

Performance opportunities are built into both the music major and minor programs. In the senior year, music majors frequently present an hour-long recital open to the college community and to the public. In addition to solo performance opportunities, numerous choral and instrumental group ensembles are open to both majors and non-majors.

How do I sign up for a Thursday Recital?

To perform during a Thursday Recital, please fill out a Thursday Recital Request Form.